We rode the SMART train into town for fun one day. We didn't have a plan other than to walk around…read more We happened upon Art Works after visiting Riley Street. Both my kiddos are very artistic and were absolutely thrilled to tour this studio/gallery space. The front desk attendant was very welcoming, and we all really enjoyed being surrounded with so much creativity. There was something to see at almost every turn, and even a few interactive pieces. It really was a treat to see my kids soak it all in and to be in their element for a change. It will be our go-to destination on all future jaunts to San Rafael.

On my first visit I found a community of artists ready to invite me into their studios and share…read moretheir meaningful works of art. Barbara, one of the artists there, even gave me a tour of the space, galleries and filled me in on the history and mission of the building and community. As a non-profit organization they work to keep the costs low for renting studio space and allow artists to rent gallery space for exhibitions. And I'm very much looking forward to the next art walk which occurs every 2nd Friday of the month. If you're looking to find an artistic community in Marin County, or just enjoy speaking with passionate artists, then you've found the right spot.

I like this community art gallery. Membership opportunities and studio space is offered at the…read moreMarin Art Society. The gallery offers a gallery with rotating art shows plus members get to display their artwork on dedicated wall space. This gallery is large and austere as you can see from the video. The day I visited the gallery there was a juried show. I had a nice conversation with a volunteer who also has a studio downstairs. Each month the members draw to select their wall space for the following month or quarter. Membership to the Society requires one to sit the gallery and pay regular dues. This location is the best kept secret in Marin. Every time I dove by I made a mental note to stop by. It took me 2 yrs a very sunny day and balloons and flags out front that I finally stopped by. I hope you visit this gallery and enjoy the many talented works from local artisans. I understand the Society takes part in the San Rafael Friday Night Art Walk as well.

Marin Society of Artists has moved from a rental gallery tucked away in Ross to a working…read morestudio/gallery located on third street and participating in the San Rafael second Friday ArtWalks. Shows are both local and national. Please join us, to nosh and enjoy the shows and even consider renting a reasonably priced studio for your own creative pursuits.

Walking down San Anselmo boulevard on a recent weekend I came upon Wendy's studio/gallery space…read more I'm kind of like a Hobbit in that I love to pour over maps and take imaginary journeys across country sides guided by my index finger. And globes are even MORE fun. So my imagination was awed and inspired by the works that Wendy has created and has on display in her space. I didn't have a lot of time to explore everything on offer there, but I did make sure to buy one of the "studies" that she did. And I'll definitely be back to look into having a pin-map made for one of my friends who often travels on business. 5/5 stars!

Wow, this place is a gem. Unique vintage styled push pin maps for the traveler who wants to capture…read morethe places they've been.

This place is magical! They have a huge selection of Buddhas…read morethat will bring peace to your home or garden!

A Gem!! Routes…read moreGallery has become one of my absolute favorite places--not just to shop, but to be inspired. Nearly every room in my world is touched by the beauty I've found there: my Skin Care Spa is filled with serene Buddha statues, shimmering geodes, and soulful objects that have helped create a sanctuary-like atmosphere for my clients. It's more than decor--it's energy. A feeling of peace, presence, and reverence that people feel the moment they walk through the door. My home and garden are equally graced by their treasures: a majestic Balinese water goddess by the fountain, a large Buddha watching over my deck, and a meditation room filled with meaningful, handpicked items--all from Routes Gallery. What truly makes this place extraordinary is the owner, Richard Routher. Richard is a gem--kind, thoughtful, full of creative ideas, and genuinely loves his work and is always so helpful to me.. He always goes above and beyond, and it shows in every interaction that I have had over the years. Whether you're looking to infuse your space with sacred beauty or searching for that perfect meaningful gift, Routes Gallery is a place of wonder and heart. I'm forever grateful I found it. Dalini

I went to have a photo enlarged for a party and they were wonderful. They gave me my options, even…read moreif it meant not turning a profit for them which I find such a wonderful example of a business trying to help you the customer my order was before schedule. The work was amazing and I will never print anywhere else. These people know what they're doing do it well and really care about the customer.

A helpful employee at Staples, Novato turned me on to Black Cat as a good place to have old photos…read morecopied. Jay and his team did an amazing job, collaborating with me to reproduce very old family photos. He has a great eye for detail and how to fix damaged areas of a photo. A pleasure to work with!!! Highly recommend, Deb

We bought tx to hear a favorite rock n roll band but they don't have a bar! So the SEVENTEEN, yes…read more17, will leave a go two doors down and back after. Feel sorry for the band when so many leave at once.

I discovered the Petaluma Arts Center two years ago, and have enjoyed every exhibition I've seen…read morethere. The exhibit spaces are large enough to show a sizable collection of work, and the people they've picked to curate and design the shows have done a terrific job. Both the "Black Artists on Art: The Legacy Exhibit," and "Journeys Through Light & Dark: DOLLS as Tellers of Stories" exhibitions blew my mind! I left inspired and stunned, wanting to know more about some of the artists. It's not a pretentious or stuffy place to look at visual art--rather, it's a warm, welcoming spot where you can pop in every month or two, see something amazing, and leave feeling inspired. The work on exhibition has always been strong: beautiful, powerful, spirited, and surprising. I've yet to be disappointed, and all the friends I've brought along or have seen a show I told them about have also had a great time. If you're visiting Petaluma for the day, it's well-worth crossing the river and dropping in.